Pat Cummins reveals the sad fallout from Virat Kohli’s summer of controversy after Australia’s classic series win over India

Pat Cummins has paid tribute to pantomime villain Virat Kohli after what was likely to be the Indian veteran’s final Test series against Australia.

On the field, it was largely a series to forget for Kohli, who averaged just 12.1 runs after the seven knocks that followed an unbeaten century in the series opener – his only score beyond 40.

Kohli was never far from the headlines during Australia’s 3-1 win, first for confronting a local journalist with advice not to film his young family at Melbourne airport.

His physical confrontation with debutant Sam Konstas at the MCG caused tensions with the local crowd and a feud between the teenager and India that would last for the rest of the series.

On the final day of Australia’s six-wicket victory at the SCG, Kohli caused a stir as he appeared to reference Australia’s ‘Sandpapergate’ scandal on the field.

He took out his pockets and looked down his trousers shortly after Steve Smith’s dismissal and was later addressed by referee Sharfuddoula.

After struggling badly with the bat during the series, it seems likely Kohli has played his final Test in Australia – and Pat Cummins (pictured with Kohli during the Sydney match) thinks cricket will be worse off for his absence

But behind the on-field antics was a player who had enjoyed a distinguished career on Australian shores, where he made seven centuries – more than any other Indian player in history.

He has a better batting average from 18 Tests in Australia (46.72) than in any country outside India except South Africa (49.50)

Australia will next meet India for a Test series in early 2027, by which time Kohli will be 38 and likely retired.

“It’ll be sad if it’s his last series,” Cummins said as the SCG Test came to an end.

‘It has always been a wonderful match. I always think about more than just the runs he brings to the game.

‘It’s always a little extra theatre, and that’s sometimes good. Sometimes it can rile you up as an opposition, and I’m sure it’s part of his plans. If we don’t get another chance, that will be a shame.’

Kohli is pictured at the trophy ceremony after Australia’s victory in Sydney gave them a 3-1 win in the much-anticipated Test series

‘I always really enjoyed playing with him. He has been one of the star players in the last ten years. You know if you get his wicket you’ll go a long way towards winning a game.”

Kohli has not publicly discussed his retirement plans as India looks towards their tour of England from June.

India coach Gautam Gambhir was reluctant to comment on Kohli’s place in that series or that of ousted captain Rohit Sharma after the loss in Sydney.

“I can’t talk about anyone’s future, it’s up to them too,” he said.

“What I can say is they still have the hunger, they still have the passion. They are tough people.

“Hopefully they can take Indian cricket forward. Whatever they plan, they will plan in the best interest of Indian cricket.”